Former Gunner to miss World Cup through injury

Former Arsenal winger Serge Gnabry is set to miss both a potential Champions League final and the World Cup, confirming the news himself on social media.

MOENCHENGLADBACH, GERMANY - OCTOBER 25: Serge Gnabry and Lennart Karl of Bayern Munich applaud the fans following the team's victory during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Mönchengladbach and FC Bayern München at Borussia-Park on October 25, 2025 in Moenchengladbach, Germany. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) — Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

Serge Gnabry took to Instagram this week to confirm that he’s set to miss the World Cup this summer, effectively also confirming that he’s out for the season with Bayern Munich.

“The last few days have been tough to process,” Gnabry wrote. “A Bayern season which still holds much to play for after securing another Bundesliga title on the weekend.

“As for the World Cup dream with Germany.. That’s sadly over for me. Like the rest of the country I’ll be supporting the boys from home.

“Now it’s time to focus on recovery and getting back for pre-season. Thank you for all the messages.”

STUTTGART, GERMANY - MARCH 30: Kai Havertz of Germany celebrates the team's first goal with teammates Serge Gnabry, Joshua Kimmich and Nick Woltemade during the international friendly match between Germany and Ghana at MHP Arena on March 30, 2026 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images) — Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images

Gnabry had suffered an adductor injury during last week’s Champions League match with Bayern. Reports from Germany suggested it would keep him out for three months, indeed ruling him out of the World Cup.

“This is very bitter news, especially at this stage of the season, with such big and important games coming up,” Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann said of the injury last week.

“We were in touch and I told him that everyone in the national team is behind him as well.

“We will all support him as best we can so that he can get back on the pitch as quickly as possible. Get well soon, Serge!”

MUNICH, GERMANY - OCTOBER 14: Serge Gnabry of Germany challenges Jorrel Hato of Netherlands during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A3 match between Germany and Netherlands at on October 14, 2024 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images for DFB) — Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images for DFB

Arsenal could yet meet Bayern Munich for a match this season, with the two teams both still involved in the Champions League.

There are no guarantees though, as the Gunners need to overcome Atletico Madrid, and Bayern would need to eliminate holders Paris Saint-Germain.

If it does happen, Gnabry won’t be available for a potential Champions League final against his old club. Which is a blow for Bayern, as he’s started seven of their 12 Champions League games so far, including both legs of the quarter-finals, racking up six goal contributions.

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